IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,650,585
Granted Patent B2
US 12,650,585 · App. 18/380,309 · Granted Jun 9, 2026

Scanning probe microscope

Inventors: Masanari Koguchi (Tokyo, JP); Teruo Kohashi (Tokyo, JP); Tomihiro Hashizume (Tokyo, JP)
Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
G02B21/04G01Q30/025G01Q70/14G02B21/0076
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,650,585
App. No.
18/380,309
Granted
Jun 9, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A scanning probe microscope for determining a measurement location when a numerical aperture of an objective lens is relatively large. The scanning probe microscope includes a probe which scans a sample; a light source which irradiates the probe with excitation light via an objective lens; a detector which detects fluorescence generated at the probe; a reflective member arranged between the objective lens and the sample; and an imaging device which images a reflecting surface of the reflective member.

Claims (18)

1 . A scanning probe microscope, comprising:

a probe which scans a sample;

a light source which irradiates the probe with excitation light via an objective lens; and

a detector which detects fluorescence generated at the probe,

wherein the scanning probe microscope further includes:

a reflective member arranged between the objective lens and the sample; and

a reflecting surface imaging device which images a reflecting surface of the reflective member.

2 . The scanning probe microscope according to claim 1 , further including a microwave antenna which irradiates the probe with microwaves,

wherein a first plane including a central axis of the probe and a central axis of the microwave antenna and a second plane including a central axis of the reflective member and a central axis of the reflecting surface imaging device intersect with each other.

3 . The scanning probe microscope according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first plane and the second plane includes an optical axis of the objective lens.

4 . The scanning probe microscope according to claim 3 , wherein an intersection between the first plane and the second plane coincides with the optical axis.

5 . The scanning probe microscope according to claim 1 , wherein the reflective member has a through hole through which an optical axis of the objective lens passes.

6 . The scanning probe microscope according to claim 1 , further including an imaging device driving unit which moves the reflecting surface imaging device parallel to an optical axis of the objective lens.

7 . The scanning probe microscope according to claim 1 , further including:

a microwave antenna which irradiates the probe with microwaves;

an antenna driving unit which controls a position of the microwave antenna; and

a probe driving unit which controls a position of the probe.

8 . The scanning probe microscope according to claim 1 , wherein the probe has a diamond or silicon carbide having a nitrogen-vacancy pair.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 20, 2023
From: KOGUCHI, MASANARI; KOHASHI, TERUO; HASHIZUME, TOMIHIRO
To: HITACHI, LTD.
Reel/Frame 065291/0165 →
Priority Claims (1)
JP 2022-166817 · Oct 18, 2022 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20240126061A1 · Apr 18, 2024
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